Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-18

Y.
Ex-GOV. SHEPHERD TALKS.
A Chat With the Distinguished Invalid
at Bleak House.
HIS ACCOUNT OF THE ACCIDENT THAT HAS TEMPO-
RARILY DISABLED HIM-HIS PLANS FOR THE SUM-
MER-ro GO TO THE sEA-sHoRR IN A FEW DAYS
AND TO RETURN TO MEXICO IN SEPTEMBER AN
ACCOUNT OF HIS MINING OPERATIONS AT BAroPILAs
When STAR reporter called at Bleak House yes
terday morning he found Gov. Shepherd comforta-
bly, seated on the wide piazza in a rustic rocking
chair enjoying the breeze that found its way to
that exposed location. He wore light alpaca
coat and black silk skull cap. AS he arose from
MS chair 1t was at once apparent that his condi-
ton is remarkable, considering the terrible ordeal
through which he has recently passed. But for
his almost hairless head his appearance has not
changed more than would ordinarily be expected
from lapse OF time When surprise was expressed
that he looked so well, Gov. Shepherd replied
"fes, think l am holding my own pretty we'll
considering what / have been through. Look at
this" and. removing his cap, he showed an ugly.
purple scar, extending nearly across the scalp
which showed that the escape from a fracture OF
the skull was narrow one
HOW THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.
"Would you object to telling the readers OF THE
STAR the particulars OF your accident?" asked the
reporter.
"Not In the least" was the reply IA party Of
Tour OF us were returning to the hacienda from the
us sooner than We expected, and we had to pick
our way carefully. Part OF the road was through
an aqueduct that we are building, miles long
with big boulders which had to be blasted or tuu-
neled through. One OF thee rocks was the size
OF that house there" tpointing. TO a stone out
foot ROY And hat tod
through. We started through this rock, and
were getting along all right. The roof at the far
ther end was not as high as at the entrance, and
tnere were some Jagged points sticking out. Twas
riding along carefully, with my hat In my hand
and my head bowed. When almost through my
horse suddenly SHE'D at Something never knew
what-and the top OF my head struck with terrific
force against the sharp rock at the exit. l was
partially stunned, but was able to keep my seat.
wound was bathed II was too dark to tell the
extent OF the damage. When we reached home,
however, 1t was found that the scalp had been
literally torn back. In thtrtySix hours erysipelas
had set In, and was In pretty bad way. l had
good medical attendance. and my wound was care
scalp. and the doctor was Obliged 10 force it out
every day. Dear, dear, what agony IL waS." he
exclaimed, looking on into the distance. 81 was
pretty strong man, and not easily unnerved, but
that ordeal, day after day and week after week,
was telling on me fearfully, and l was breaking
down under 1t. Mrs. Shepherd arrived just In
time, for the doctor already had both thumbs and
finger poisoned from my wound. Twas delirous
a good deal OF the time, but knew that my head
was terribly swollen and out OF shape from the
erysipelas."
A JOKE on HIMSELF
everything has ludicrous phase, though, "
continued the governor smiling, "and they told a
good joke on me. When was at my worst was
very uesirious OF seeing myself in a mirror
wanted TO see II that head looked as 1t felt. The
my attendant wasn't watching / stepped across
the room TO lo0king-glass- This was when one
side OF my head was bigger than the other one
sunken from contrast. They said that stood in
tently gazing at my reflection moment. and
then exclaimed: Hello! Ben Butler; what I'm
the devil are you doing way down heree'
l managed to pull along until the wound began
to heal pretty We'll The only way could obtain
rest was by lying on my face with my forehead
resting on my forearm. just when everything
seemed progressing favorably had another at
tack OF erysipelas and severe Chill, followed by
nigh fever. The doctor felt pretty serious over It
all, and 1t was decided that must be taken away,
Unexpectedly, everything seemed to go we'll with
me: me Instead Of being carried In big chair pre-
pared Tor me was able to ride a mule l don't
kno% sus5 how Nv DID but did it As soon
all" ''''' won ''''- AA0 N'eo ''''' 0u' 'na'
HIS PLANS FOR THE SUMNER.
"How long will you be here?" asked the STAR
man.
II will remain at Bleak House two or three DAYS
TO get good long rest"
a9 sas friends are very
on giving you reception, but they would
be glad to consult your wishes in the matter. "
"Indeed want to see them ALL" was the reply,
'sbut am not now in q condition to undergo any
excitement or fatigue. am very easily unnerved,
and my doctors orders are to keep quiet think
1t would be tll-advised for me TO have reception
come back from the seashore, In September, viii
be only too glad to see them alI. Before go
away VII! drive in to take look at the city and
shake hands with a few intimate friends, but l
want to keep as quiet as possible. 81 will
not leave for BatOpilas before the last OF
september the first OF OCTOBER so that there is
to do 1t when can enjoy myself and not feel that
Ian am endangering my health. think the boys
Ior moment That am not anxious to meet them. !"
THE PROSPECTS AT BAToPILAs.
''The readers OF The STAR would like to learn
from you how you are prospecting in Mexico" sug-
geSted the reporter.
'Well, have succeeded splendidly," was the
w0uldn'r lang on to failure for seven years The
prospects were pretty bad the first year. terri
ble mistake was made. With a capital OF 81 SO 600
secured with the e eerticatio8p peS Of T m1pinS ans
expert that the first years yield would
be over half million dollars, we began work.
Our disappointment was great. Instead OF getting
out 100000, as We expected we didn't get
100000. With money nearly all gone, what was
W Ut uOHS! OHS VI bWO E1GuCr 90 Daek
home, with hat In hand, whining for more money
or else stay right there and by hard work rectify
the mistake that was made. / chose to do the
latter. With no more use for mining experts. l
started out on my own account. I was satisfied
that the silver was there, and determined TO get
1t. Little by little we enlarged our operations,
and began working other mines. The Mexican
government saw that We meant business, and
showed willingness TO assist. A grant was con-
ceded to US OF nearly the entire mineral wealth OF
the country. We have now f1ve different
mines in operation, and the annual Yield is several
hundred thousand dollars. AS matters are now
our expenses are very heavy. Each mine requires
separate and distinct force or superintendent
and searchers and others, at an annual cost OF
So 900 to $40 600 for each. good deal OF the ore
is at least 80 per cent pure silver. and there is
constant temptation for our employees who work In
the mines TO steal They are thoroughly searched
every time they come out. 1t not only costs get
the silver, but to prevent its being stolen, When
we have completed the extensive tunneiing opel a.
tiOns that We are now engaged upon We will be
able to work all the mines through one opening,
When that time arrives anticipate the annual
yield to be 100000 for many generations to
come"
when do you expect the tunneling to be CON-
pleted?" asked the reporter.
"UnleSS there are some unexpected Set-backS we
ought to be through In couple OF years. Even
now things are In very satisfactory shape and run
smoothly. can be spared from BatopOlis without
Inconvenience until have reGaIned my health"